​Generations become defined by the events that happen within their years. World War 2 defined the 1940’s and gave us the greatest generation. Vietnam and the Beatles defined the 1960’s and 70’s and gave the world the baby boomer generation. In the 2000’s, events like 9/11 and the financial crisis defined how millennials invest and interact with the world. Every generation has its defining moment and I believe that right now we are in another defining moment that doesn’t just touch a single generation, but touches every generation separately and uniquely. Whether you are a parent wanting to provide for your children or an older American trying to protect your health, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live, work, and play. As Christians, moments like this should bring excitement, not in the pain and suffering of others, but in the fact that we have the Light this dark world needs. In Acts 2, the ancient world was experiencing a defining moment as well: Jesus had been crucified by the Romans and then resurrected from the dead and a new religious movement called, “The Way” was experiencing exponential growth. A man by the name of Saul, who was a leader in the ruling religious party was threatening, arresting, beating, and even killing converts of this new movement. All eyes in Israel were on Rome, the Jewish leadership, and this new movement that was upending the current religious structure. How did those early Christians respond to their moment in time? What was their perspective in the face of fear and death? Their response gives us a great example as a generation and people who are living in their own defining moment.

1. We must step forward

“Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd…” Acts 2:14 NLT

Stepping forward in faith doesn’t mean we are careless with our actions and run out into the middle of the panic, but it means when GOD gives you an opportunity to share your faith, you seize that moment. Maybe it’s sharing scriptures of peace on your social media feed or offering to pray with a neighbor or friend who is really scared. GOD will give us all unique opportunities to step forward within our circle of family and friends in the community where we live and it’s in these moments where His light gets to shine through our actions.

2. Be prepared to share your faith

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:37-39 NLT

The one good thing that comes from any crisis is that people look for something stable in the midst of chaos. Oftentimes, the church is the place where most people run. Even with the doors of our physical churches being closed, we have an opportunity as believers to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with family, friends, and even strangers at the grocery store. Hope is what this world is looking for and that hope is found in Jesus Christ.

3. Be open to generosity

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

How much toilet paper do you have? Did you notice the empty produce shelves at your local grocery store? This is not a time to hoard up groceries and paper products…no this is our moment to be a blessing to our neighbors and those closest to us. How can we do this when social distancing is the rule? Don’t take more than you need at the grocery store. If you have more than enough, post on Facebook and ask if anyone needs more. We can still share even among a world that is hoarding in panic. In Philippians 4:19, Paul assures us that, “GOD who takes care of me [Paul] will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Generations are defined by the moments that intersect the years they find themselves on Earth. Who would have thought during our lifetime we would have seen a pandemic? I believe that you were born to be here for this very moment in time. Living on the inside of you is the Light that shines brighter than any darkness. We have the peace that passes all understanding because the Prince of Peace lives in our hearts. I am reminded of the lyrics from one of my favorite Sunday school songs, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” Jesus is the light this dark and panicked world needs. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. THIS IS OUR MOMENT.

With words like "recession," "depression," and "unemployment" being the most googled words during this COVID-19 crisis, we wanted to attack the fear of lack. In Genesis 26, Isaac not only grew spiritually during a famine, but he prospered financially. The Bible says Isaac grew, "a hundred times more grain than he planted, for the Lord blessed him." Check out Isaac's story and how you can prosper in famine and be blessed by GOD just like him. ​

Most of us have heard the tale of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The sweet little Who’s in Whoville enjoyed a Christmas celebration every year with singing and a special feast, gifts and trees, and all the happiness that came with the holiday. The Grinch, who lived near town, wanted nothing to do with such excitement and was bothered by the joy Christmas brought to all the families he saw below. So, he got the brilliant idea of ruining Christmas. On the night of Christmas Eve he stole gifts and trees and anything that represented the holiday. To his dismay, this did not upset the Who’s in the slightest and they continued on with their Christmas celebration. Not the lack of stockings, trees, lights, or even gifts would stop their heartfelt desire to celebrate! The Grinch realized they had something he couldn’t take away, something in their hearts that couldn’t be bought or stolen.

Do you feel like you’re living in Whoville about now? It’s like some big mean grinch came along and stole “fun”...no school, no comradery among friends at work or meeting for play dates at the park, or sharing stories over a meal out at your favorite restaurant. Not to mention the war zone the grocery store has become! From people stock piling toilet paper, to stocking up on 20lb bags of beans, no item has been left behind at your local store. Who knew no one cleaned or washed their hands before this pandemic by the amount of hygiene products flying off the shelves?! Life is looking a little strange lately, and maybe it’s making you feel like the light inside of you is beginning to flicker. You can feel the joy leaving and despair creep in.

The enemy may try to use these events to steal your joy, your peace, and probably your patience if you’re now home full time with your kids and all of a sudden a homeschool teacher as well!

But, this is when we are supposed to gear up and get ready for battle friends! Do not, I repeat, do not let the enemy win this battle! Check out these verses below:

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18NLT

God already has the armor waiting for you, it’s your job to put it on and stand firm in these times of trial. Prepare your mind daily. This isn’t easy but it says right there in Ephesians if you can put on the armor, and resist the enemy, you WILL be standing firm at the end of the battle. God isn’t finished with you yet; take the sword of the spirit (God’s word) and use this extra time you may have on your hands to put it deep in your hearts so you can overcome these challenging days mentally and physically.

Most battles can be won or lost in the mind. What are you saying today to prepare for your battle ahead? It’s time to fight soldier, not raise your white flag! The enemy may be trying to take your “Christmas” but he can’t take what lives in your heart, and that’s Jesus who defeated the grave so you can live in abundance today! Be like The Who’s, and celebrate what can’t be stolen—Christ in You.

If you would like us to stand with you in prayer, please connect with us here. We will continue to pray for our followers as we walk through these eventful times together.

Walk down any of the aisles of your local grocery store and you will see what fear, panic, and anxiety look like. Just ask any person today what COVID-19 is and unless they are sleeping under a rock they will be able to tell you, “Coronavirus.” What has happened to our neighborhoods, communities, cities, nation, and world is nothing short of spiritual terrorism. Peace and calmness have been replaced with fear and anxiety. As Christians, we must take this opportunity, and yes I said opportunity, to be the hands and feet of Jesus. As we read the gospel stories about Jesus, never once did we see Him act out in fear or panic. He always sought to pray, listen, and then speak or act. Most of the time he was speaking and acting in conjunction with what He heard from the Father.

In John 11 we see the calmness of Jesus at work in a situation that was filled with anxiety and fear. Let me give you some context: Jesus’ was just alerted that His good friend Lazarus was sick. Instead of racing to Bethany where Lazarus lived, He stayed where He was for 2 more days. During that delay, Lazarus died and Jesus decided it was time to go to Bethany and raise His good friend from the dead. Flashback to a few days earlier and Jesus had just left Bethany because the leaders of the town tried to stone Him. Now Jesus has decided to go back. Here is where the story resonates with us.

Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” John 11:7-10 NLT

The disciples had every right to question Jesus in this moment. Did He really need to go back to the same city that just tried to kill Him? Was that necessary in the grand scheme of things? There were so many other towns to preach in and Jesus could easily just say the word and Lazarus would be healed. But Jesus wasn’t going to run. It wasn’t in His character to run. Jesus faced troublesome situations head on and this one was no different. In the middle of the chaos and threat of death was Lazarus. Lazarus was the reason Jesus was going back to Judea and Lazarus is the reason we as the Church have an opportunity in this moment to make an impact on eternity. Lazarus is your neighbor who is anxiously watching the news and nervously stockpiling toilet paper. Lazarus is your children who are looking to you for strength and faith when the world seems to be running in a panic. Lazarus is a co-worker who is sick and is worried that it might lead to something worse or even deadly.

Today, this month, this year, we have an incredible opportunity to see the power of GOD manifest itself in the body of Christ. Our prayer is that we will step up to the challenges that lay ahead of us and look to Jesus as not only our peace and comfort, but our example of what to do in troublesome situations. Mark 16:15-18 outlines our mission:

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” NLT

If you would like us to stand with you in prayer, please connect with us here. We will continue to pray for our followers as we walk through these eventful times together. ​